The Rote – December 3, 2020
Midday Meeting via ZOOM
President Robert Bull welcomed everyone to our December 3rd meeting. We had forty-one participants, which included six guests (London, Germany and Mast Academy in Miami, amongst others). Robert mentioned he hoped that everyone had a meaningful and Happy Thanksgiving. There will only be three meetings this month because of the Christmas and New Year Holiday. Today’s meeting will be very interesting meeting, as our guest speaker will talk to us about our History.
Amelia Bonilla led us with a beautiful invocation, and Noreen Timoney, who really knows how to set up a Pledge, recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Today is the International Day of People with Disabilities. While many are born disabled, others encounter situations in their life that lead to disability, all disabled people deserve our respect and understanding.
Announcements:
Birthdays: Maria Rudel’s birthday was on December 1st and Karen Lapekas’ birthday is coming up on December 6th. Ladies we wish you a very Happy Birthday.
Rick and Laura Hernandez are celebrating 15 years of marriage bliss today. Congratulations.
Renel Noel celebrated his birthday last week and sent us two photos of his fancy outfit that day. Happy Birthday, Renel.
Other Business Announcements:
- Phil Seipp updated us on the GBI Rx project. We are raising funds and have received donations from several Members, and just received donations from many individuals and other Rotary Clubs.
- Continuing on the topic about international Rotary Clubs, we have helped the Rotary Clubs of Guatemala, as they reach out to help communities in their country that were impacted by Hurricanes ETA and IOTA. We received a thank you letter from the President the Rotary Emergency Committee of Guatemala, Juan Pablo Hurtarte.
- We then spun the Picker Spin Wheel to find out who won the bottle of Zacapa Rum. ZACAPA is one of the best rums in the World and it is from Guatemala. We thanked Dunia Miranda for this donation. All funds raised by this Lucky Draw were be donated to the Rotary Emergency Committee in Guatemala. Dave Anderson was the lucky winner.
- November was The Rotary Foundation Month. Robin Shelley gave us a brief comment about the Foundation’s activities and goals. One of Rotary’s goal amongst the Membership is for Every Rotarian to contribute Every Year. EREY.
Every year our District conducts a golf ball drop event. Each golf ball costs $25 and on the day of the Golf Ball drop at the Biltmore Golf Course a helicopter will fly over and drop all of the purchased golf balls. The ones nearest the pin win. You may get your golf balls from Robbin Shelley and/or Phil Seipp.
- Robin Shelley then proceeded to announce the Members of our Club who had recently earned a Paul Harris recognition pin. There were Marissa Miles, Cathy Cahill, Amelia Bonilla, Noreen Timoney, Diane Landsberg, Phil Seipp and Robert Bull. Congratulations to all.
- Noreen Timoney updated us on the Community Service Committee activities and Noreen then introduced our speaker, Ms. Christine Rupp from the Dade Heritage Trust. Ms. Rupp told us about the programs of the Dade Heritage Trust and the issue they are facing as the City of Miami Commissioners are planning to relocate their office that was the residence and doctor’s office of our founder, Dr. James Jackson.
The Dade Heritage Trust is working hard to convince the city Commissioners not to relocate Dr. Jackson’s original home, which has been in its current location, near Brickell, since 1917. Coincidentally, the year our Club was founded. President Robert Bull then virtually presented Ms. Rupp her Certificate of Appreciation and let her know that we will also be delivering dictionaries to third graders.
- Happy Dollars – All of last month’s Happy Dollars were dedicated to the Miami Rescue Mission Toy Drive. This weekend Interact students from Miami Senior High School will be at Diane Landsberg’s home, wrapping the toys in clear cellophane wrap with a ribbon. The toys will be delivered early next week.
- This week’s Happy Dollars were as follows: Scott Richey was happy because he and Karla are celebrating their wedding anniversary. Shirley Pardon was happy because the Women’s Club will be hold an event to commemorate the International Day of People with Disabilities. Robin Shelley was happy than Ian Balcombe, President of the Rotary Club of London was attending our meeting. Diane Landsberg was happy because the Board has working on streamlined contemporary new By-Laws. Virgile Aliu was happy to be part of the Community Service Committee and she has just launched her wellness boutique website. Marcia Brod was happy because the TBM newsletter was published and mailed, and is already generating donations. Noreen Timoney thanked all those who participated in the Community Service Committee’s ZOOM meeting. Dave Skinner reminded us that today is the 87th anniversary of the repeal of the prohibition, so enjoy your libations. To end our Happy Dollars announcements, Norby Rudel was happy that this past Sunday he entertained people at Vino’s in Coconut Grove.
After Happy Dollars, Diane Landsberg led us in the Four-Way Test and then President Robert Bull ran the bell to end our meeting.
